Became the European champion at the age of 7

7-year-old Ömer Taha Dede, who lives in Balıkesir, became the European champion by defeating all 7 opponents he faced in the Inter-School European Chess Championship held in Ireland. Little Taha Ömer, who put his medal around his neck, also made history as the first Turkish athlete to become a champion by winning all 7 matches.
Ömer Taha Dede, the second child of a math teacher mother and a police officer father in Balıkesir, achieved the pride of European championship at the age of 7 by signing a record that is hard to reach. Starting to play chess at the age of 5, imitating his older sister, Ömer Taha quickly stood out with his moves and became a good player compared to his peers under disciplined training within the club. Standing out in local tournaments, Ömer Taha, after becoming the champion in Balıkesir, became the champion of Turkey in a tournament held in Antalya. Then, Ömer Taha Dede, deemed worthy of the national team jersey by the Turkish Chess Federation, became the European champion by winning all 7 matches in the European Championship held in Ireland.

Toughest opponent was Romanian
After becoming the European champion, in statements to the Ihlas News Agency (IHA), Ömer Taha Dede said, ‘First, I went to the provincial championship. Then, I went to Antalya to become the champion of Turkey, and I won. Then, I went to Ireland for the European Schools Championship. I won all 7 matches and became the champion.’
When asked which was his toughest match, 7-year-old Ömer Taha answered, ‘I played a match with a kid named David Christian Talaba. He was Romanian. It was very difficult.’ Dede also mentioned how he prepared for the matches, stating, ‘I practice, go to the match, play, win, and then leave the match.’

First coach was his sister
Introduced to chess through his sister, Ömer Taha Dede played his first matches with his sister Zeynep Tusem Dede. As Ömer Taha’s interest in chess grew, his sister started showing him game tactics. Playing matches with his sister Zeynep Tusem at the chess club, Ömer Taha quickly improved himself. Describing the chess days he spent with his brother, Zeynep Tusem Dede said, ‘We had chess lessons at our school. My teachers who liked my playing included me in the club. Ömer Taha also wanted to come to the course. He made a sudden leap. Currently, I cannot give him tactics. When we play, Ömer Taha wins.’

Goal is world championship
Ömer Taha Dede’s mother Melek Dede, who was with him at the moment of his success in Ireland, said they were very proud. Mother Dede stated, ‘Our chess journey started with his sister. A club in Balıkesir discovered Ömer Taha, then Elbe Sports Club decided to work with Ömer. They are all really hardworking and experts in their fields. This success is everyone’s, our country’s success. We were together with Ömer Taha in Ireland. Representing our country, bringing an award to Turkey is very important. Achieving this success by winning all 7 matches was especially nice. Our goal is to achieve titles in chess in the future. Also, there is a world championship next year. Our goal is the world championship.’

Hüroğlu: ‘Balıkesir is an active city in terms of chess’
Balıkesir Chess Provincial Representative Hasan Hüroğlu said that Ömer Taha Dede’s success was a source of pride for both Balıkesir and Turkey. Mentioning that Balıkesir is a city of chess, Hüroğlu said, ‘Ömer Taha is our European champion. We noticed him before he even reached the right age. We understood that he would come, achieve success, and become a champion. Balıkesir is an active city in terms of chess. We have a tournament every week. Ömer Taha also had a UKD rating of 1500 in his first tournament in September. He became the champion of Turkey in Antalya. Our Federation decided to take him to Europe. There, he became the first Turkish athlete to win all 7 matches. We are one of the most active cities regionally in terms of chess. With the appointment of our Youth Sports Director Adem Bey, many developments have occurred. We have wide participation in our tournaments from Bursa, Manisa, Izmir, and Canakkale. I have been in the chess community for 10 years. We used to hold chess tournaments in rooms without sunlight. Currently, our chess halls are being built. The support provided by our Youth Sports Provincial Director Adem Özalp is the basis of this.’